Most Valuable Player

#9 Danni Devine, Sr. Forward, Liberty

Devine took a year off from soccer, but made a triumphant return this season. She became the focal point for opposing defense, often dealing with two defenders. She worked into the midfield to help the Liberty offense. Although double-teamed, Devine was able to help set up other players, including fellow forward Briidy Burnell. She was named to the North Sequoia League first team and was one of the team’s co-captains.

Coach of the Year

Eli Liuba, Liberty

In five years at Madera, Liberty head coach Eli Liuba had to battle with the best teams in the County/Metro Athletic Conference. Although the Hawks played in the North Sequoia League, Liuba inherited a team that was expected to challenge for, not only a league title, but a Valley Championship as well. In what he said was his hardest working team, Liberty reached all expectations, going undefeated in the NSL for the fifth year in a row. The Hawks advanced to the school’s first-ever Div. III Valley Championship game, suffering a 1-0 loss to Highland.

The Team

Lizzy Tornero, Jr. Goalkeeper, Madera

Tornero earned the respect of many opponents in the CMAC as she earned the Goalkeeper of the Year honors with Sanger’s Ariel Robles. Known as a commanding leader from the back who was willing to sacrifice her body to protect the goal for the team, Tornero allowed less than one goal a game this season. When teams were able to get a shot on her, the sure-handed Tornero came up with a big save a majority of the time.

# 6 Kaycie Simpson, Sr. Sweeper, Madera

It was tough to score a goal on the Coyote defense this season and one of the big reasons why was the solid play and leadership of Simpson. The second team All-County/Metro Athletic Conference selection and Coyote MVP was one of the most consistent players on the squad who led by example game by game. Her skillfulness wasn’t just limited to defense as she was able to score goals for the team including four game-tying ones in 1-1 matches with Clovis East, Stockdale-Bakersfield, San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno and Edison-Fresno...